In an effort to realize the "double-digit" economic growth target and make breakthroughs in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), on April 22, 2026, Haiphong City welcomed and held a working session with a high-level delegation led by Mr. Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC). This visit is highly expected to open a new chapter in economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the Port City and strategic partners from the neighboring country.
A scene from the work session (Source: https://baohaiphong.vn)
Delegation Scale and Composition: The Presence of Tech "Giants"
The ACC delegation's visit took place from April 19 to 25, 2026, spanning Vietnam's major economic hubs: Hanoi, Haiphong, and Ho Chi Minh City. In Haiphong, the working delegation maintained an impressive scale with a total of 57 members.
The delegation was headed by Mr. Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ACC—an intergovernmental organization serving as a platform to promote comprehensive cooperation between ASEAN and China. Accompanying him was the leadership team from the ACC's Trade and Investment divisions. Notably, the event attracted 46 representatives from leading Chinese corporations and enterprises operating across diverse sectors, including high technology, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, logistics, supply chains, international trade, and e-commerce.
Among the prominent entities were large-scale enterprises with global brand recognition, such as: Hebei Pengrun Technology Group Co., Ltd; UFIDA Software (Beijing) Co., Ltd; Shenzhen Hejun Logistics Co., Ltd; Xingyun Group (Global Supply Chain Services). The presence of these tech and logistics "giants" demonstrates the deep interest of Chinese investors in Haiphong's potential and strategic position.
City leader, heads of departments and agencies, and ACC delegates posed for a commemorative photo (Source: https://baohaiphong.vn)
Promoting Foreign Relations, Connecting Investments, and Opening Up Breakthrough Opportunities
During the working session, leadership representing the Haiphong People's Committee warmly welcomed the delegation and shared comprehensive insights into the city's socio-economic development, synchronous infrastructure system, and distinct competitive advantages.
As the primary maritime gateway of Northern Vietnam, possessing a modern, interconnected transport infrastructure network (including deep-sea ports, international airport, highways, and railways), Haiphong stands as an ideal destination for international supply chains. City leaders emphasized that Haiphong continuously prioritizes administrative reform, improves the investment climate, and stands ready to create the most favorable conditions for foreign enterprises to invest and operate sustainably.
The city prepared detailed presentations regarding investment attraction policies, particularly the outstanding incentives within Industrial Zones and the strategic orientation to establish a Free Trade Zone—a pioneering economic model that Haiphong is actively deploying.
The key expectations from this high-level visit include:
- Attracting High-Tech Projects: The city expects to welcome major projects in AI, semiconductors, and digital transformation from corporations like Hebei Pengrun and UFIDA to upgrade the local industrial manufacturing standards.
- Boosting Logistics and E-commerce: With the participation of international logistics firms like Shenzhen Hejun and the Xingyun supply chain platform, Haiphong aims to become a modern international logistics services hub.
- Connecting Business Communities: The business matchmaking program provided an excellent opportunity for local associations, such as the Haiphong Young Entrepreneurs Association and the Haiphong Small and Medium Enterprises Association, to seek partnerships for supply, processing, and market expansion into China.
Mr. Shi Zhongjun, Secretary-General of the ACC, expressed his hope that the visit would provide Chinese enterprises with practical insights and foster deep confidence in Haiphong's business environment, thereby accelerating the transition of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) into reality.
The visit and working session of the Chinese business delegation led by the ACC not only reaffirms Haiphong's strong appeal on the regional investment map but also demonstrates the city's proactiveness and determination in foreign affairs and investment promotion, staying fully prepared to embrace new resources for growth./.